Packaging as well as a bottom element and a window element for use therein

ABSTRACT

A packaging comprises a reclosable assembly of a bottom element ( 10 ) and a window element ( 20 ), which together enclose a product space for receiving at least one product therein, in particular a food product. The bottom element comprises a bottom ( 11 ), from either side of which at least parts of opposite first side walls ( 12 ) extend which are connected in at least substantially freely pivotable manner to the bottom. The window element comprises an at least substantially transparent top sheet ( 21 ), from which opposite further side walls ( 22 ) extend on both sides which support on the bottom. The at least parts of the first side walls ( 21 ) mutually enclose the window element and maintain a mutual distance over which the set of further side walls ( 22 ) is at least largely transparent.

The present invention relates to a packaging comprising an at least substantially box-like container, which container comprises a reclosable assembly of a bottom element and a window element, which together enclose a product space which is intended an adapted to receive at least one product therein, in particular a food product, wherein the bottom element comprises a bottom, from either side of which at least parts of opposite first side walls of the container extend pivotally, and wherein the window element comprises an at least substantially transparent top sheet, from which at least one at least substantially transparent further side wall of the container extends, which further side wall extends at least between said at least parts of the first side walls and herein reaches at least substantially to the bottom.

A packaging of the type described in the preamble is known from European patent application EP 1.731.442. This known packaging comprises a cardboard bottom element with a fully transparent window element. The bottom element comprises four upright walls, a frontal wall of which extends over only a limited part of the height of the packaging. The window element is connected pivotally to a rear wall of the bottom element by means of a set of connecting protrusions which extend therefrom and are received in fitting manner in a set of openings in the rear wall. Three depending walls of the window element drop over corresponding walls of the bottom element in order to close the packaging. A frontal side and a top side of the packaging are thus largely or wholly formed by the transparent walls of the window element so that a content of the packaging is readily visible.

Particularly for packaging of food products it is of great importance that a content of the packaging is readily visible from outside. This is because food products, such as pastries and other confectionery in particular, usually provide an attractive, appetite-stimulating appearance, which hereby easily prompts an (impulse) purchase, assuming that the product in the packaging is readily visible. Although the above described known packaging does succeed in doing this per se, it nevertheless has a number of significant drawbacks whereby this packaging is less suitable for a large-scale production environment. The connection between the window element and the rear wall is for instance awkward, unreliable and, partly as a result of this, time-consuming. The bottom element with the upright walls also impedes free access to the product space, whereby a product cannot already be prepared or dressed in the bottom element during production, but must be arranged therein only afterward. This requires an additional processing step and entails the risk of damage.

The present invention has for its object, among others, to provide a packaging which provides a good view into the product space thereof but does not have these and other drawbacks of the known packaging, or at least does so to a significantly lesser extent.

In order to achieve the intended object a packaging of the type stated in the preamble has the feature according to the invention that the window element comprises a set of at least substantially transparent further side walls extending on opposite sides from the top sheet, that in the assembled situation of the container the further side walls extend between said at least parts of the first side walls and herein support on the bottom, that in the assembled situation of the container the at least parts of the first side walls are at least substantially freely pivotable relative to the product space in order to enclose the window element at least therebetween in a mutually closed situation and to leave the window element at least substantially clear in a spread-apart situation, and that in the assembled situation of the container the at least parts of the first side walls maintain a mutual distance over which the set of further side walls is at least largely transparent.

Because the at least parts of the first side walls of the container are freely pivotable relative to the bottom, these parts can be laid flat for the purpose of an unobstructed access to the product space. After the window element with the further side walls has been placed on the bottom, both at least parts of the first side walls are as it were pivoted inward like wings in order to enclose the window element therebetween. Because the at least parts of the first side walls maintain a mutual distance and at least one of the further side walls therebetween is at least substantially transparent, the container displays the product space on at least this side, in addition to the view into the product space provided by the top sheet. A product received in the packaging is thus readily visible from at least two sides of the container.

In a preferred embodiment the packaging according to the invention has the feature that the bottom element and the window element are fully releasable from each other. The window element can herein be left off completely while a product is placed in the product space and the packaging is further assembled as desired. The window element does not therefore impede these operations on the product at all. The window element with the further side walls can finally be placed over the product, after which the packaging is closed by closing both at least parts of the first side walls round the window element.

A further preferred embodiment of the packaging has the feature according to the invention that further side walls, with which the window element supports on the bottom, extend at least substantially on all sides from the upper surface of the window element. The further side walls extending over a whole periphery of the window element impart an increased stability and rigidity to this part of the packaging, which are also manifested in an increased stability and form retention of the assembly as a whole.

The at least parts of the first side walls can extend over only a limited part of the relevant side wall, although in a particular embodiment the packaging according to the invention has the feature that the at least parts of the first side walls fully comprise the first side walls of the container. Not only do parts of the relevant side walls here extend from the bottom, these walls are also formed at least substantially wholly by the bottom element.

In a further preferred embodiment the packaging according to the invention is characterized in that the at least parts of the first side walls comprise on at least one free edge at least one folded part which extends at least substantially transversely of the relevant first side wall, wherein in the assembled situation of the container respective folded parts of opposite at least parts of the first side walls are directed toward each other in order to receive opposite edge parts of the window element thereunder in at least substantially fitting manner. The first side walls thus fall with the folded parts over the window element and enclose the window element thereunder. An assembly which can serve as packaging for products of diverse nature is thus obtained in exceptionally simple manner. In a further particular embodiment the packaging according to the invention is moreover characterized in that the at least parts of the first walls comprise at least one such folded part on a free edge on at least substantially all sides. The window element is thus not only received and enclosed under, but also wholly between, such folded parts on the first side walls, this further enhancing their mutual fixation and connection.

The one or more folded parts on the first side walls serve primarily to hold the packaging together in a closed form, wherein the window part lies enclosed between the two first side walls. In a further particular embodiment the packaging is characterized here in that the first side walls of the container with the folded parts extending therefrom lie against adjacent edge parts of the window element in at least practically form-fitting manner. The form fitting between the folded parts and the edge parts of the window element here ensures a sufficient fit and friction between the first side walls with the folded parts extending therefrom on the one hand and the edge parts of the window part on the other so that, once in a closed situation, the packaging will retain this situation without further means.

In a further preferred embodiment the packaging according to the invention is characterized in that closing means are provided between the at least parts of the first side walls and the window element. The closing means provide an option in practice of fixing the packaging in a closed situation. In a further particular embodiment the packaging according to the invention has the feature here that the closing means comprise a reclosable closure. The closing means here not only provide for a fixation of the container in a closed situation, but also provide the option of reclosing a packaging once it has been opened, for instance for at least temporary storage.

A particularly elegant form of reclosable fixation means is present in a further particular embodiment of the packaging, which is characterized according to the invention in that the reclosable closure comprises manually liftable snap means with a snap member and a fitting snap space in respectively the window element and the at least parts of the first side walls of the container, or vice versa. The snap means can here be provided such that the snap member snaps into the snap space automatically without further operations when the packaging is closed. By lifting this snap connection the packaging can then be reopened and subsequently reclosed as desired. In a further particular embodiment the packaging according to the invention is characterized here in that the snap member comprises a resilient tongue which extends from one of the window element and both of the at least parts of the first side walls of the container and which snaps into a corresponding snap space in another of the window element and both of the at least parts of the first side walls of the container. If desired, such snap means can be recessed wholly from the material of the two parts of the packaging so that no additional components or significant processing steps are required for this purpose.

In order to be able to indicate the integrity of a content of the packaging, a further preferred embodiment of the packaging according to the invention has the feature that the closing means comprise a breakable closure. The breakable closure thus forms a seal which immediately indicates whether a packaging has already been opened. An intact breakable closure thus provides a guarantee that the product in the product space has not been exposed to third parties. This is particularly important in the case of comestibles and other food products.

For an increased strength and stability a further preferred embodiment of the packaging according to the invention has the feature that upright folded parts extend on opposite sides from the bottom between the two first side walls. The upright folded parts impart bending strength and thereby an increased rigidity to the bottom element, and moreover covers a possible gap between the bottom and the window element placed thereon.

In a further preferred embodiment the packaging according to the invention has the feature that the bottom element is formed at least partly from cardboard. Cardboard is an easily processed raw material and can moreover be printed on extremely well, whereby product data and decorations can advantageously be printed on the bottom element. Cardboard has moreover been found to project a traditional and therefore luxury appearance to the likely customers for food products, which contributes significantly toward a positive perception of the product packaged therein. In a further preferred embodiment the packaging according to the invention is characterized here in that the bottom element is folded completely from a cardboard blank. The bottom element can thus be supplied flat, and therefore compactly, and be assembled on the spot.

A further particular embodiment of the packaging according to the invention has the feature that at least one of the first side walls of the container comprises a window. By thus including a window in at least one of the longitudinal walls a view into the product space can also be provided from this side. If the window element falls behind the relevant first side wall with a closed, transparent wall, the window can be open.

A further particular embodiment of the packaging according to the invention advantageously has the feature that the window element is formed wholly from a transparent plastic, and more in particular that the plastic is taken from a group comprising polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactide acid (PLA), polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate (PC). The window element here provides an unobstructed view into the product space on all sides and moreover enhances the luxury appearance of the packaging. From an engineering viewpoint a further preferred embodiment of the packaging according to the invention has the feature here that the window element is formed integrally, and more particularly that the window element comprises a thermoformed part. The window element can thus be fully assembled in one process run and has no possibly impairing seams. In order to make optimal use of transport and storage space, a further preferred embodiment of the packaging according to the invention has the feature that the window element can be nested in a similar window element.

Although the window element and the bottom element can be fully releasable, a particular embodiment of the packaging according to the invention has the feature that one of the at least parts of the first side walls of the container is connected fixedly to an adjacent wall of the window element. The window element and the bottom element are here (pre)assembled and firmly connected to each other on the relevant first side wall side, while the assembly is releasable on an opposite side to enable the container to be pivoted open if desired.

The invention also relates to a bottom element and a window element for applying in the above described packaging according to the invention, and will now be further elucidated on the basis of several exemplary embodiments and an accompanying drawing. In the figure:

FIGS. 1A-1E show a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a packaging according to the invention in separate stages of use;

FIGS. 2A-2C show a top view of the packaging of FIGS. 1A-1D in separate stages of use;

FIGS. 3A-3E show a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a packaging according to the invention in separate stages of use;

FIGS. 4A-4B show a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a packaging according to the invention in respectively an open and closed situation.

The figures are here otherwise purely schematic and not drawn to scale. Some dimensions in particular may be exaggerated to greater or lesser extent for the sake of clarity. Corresponding parts are designated as far as possible in the figures with the same reference numeral.

The packaging of FIGS. 1A-2E comprises a bottom element 10 with a bottom 11, which in this example takes a square form with sides of about 20 centimetres although, if desired, it can also have another polygonal form and/or dimensions In addition to the bottom, the bottom element comprises a set of first side walls 12 of the final packaging together with a set of folded parts 13 extending therebetween and formed integrally thereon in the form of a blank of cardboard, see FIGS. 1A and 2A. Arranged between bottom 11 and respectively the first side walls 12 and folded parts 13 are folding seams or fold lines 14 so that first side walls 12 and folded parts 13 are foldable and pivotable relative to bottom 11.

The packaging further comprises a fully transparent plastic window element 20 which is placed in the manner of a bell-jar in fully releasable manner on bottom 11, see FIGS. 1B and 2B. Window element 20 here comprises a transparent top sheet 21, the form of which is adjusted to the form of bottom 11 and from which in this example about 5-10 centimetre walls 22,23 extend all around along the whole periphery, these walls reaching as far as bottom 11 in order to thereby support thereon. Just as bottom element 10, the window element is formed integrally in this example. For window element 20 use is made here of a suitable transparent plastic, such as for instance polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactide acid (PLA), polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and PC, which can be processed from a film into the desired end product in relatively simple manner in a thermoforming process. PLA herein has the additional advantage of being biodegradable. The window element 20 of this example comprises such a thermoformed part, which has been manufactured as one seamless whole from transparent polycarbonate by vacuum-forming in a single process run at increased temperature. It is otherwise noted that, where reference is made in the present application to transparency, this must be understood to mean different forms of translucence wherein the relevant component may or may not be coloured or is optionally only partially transparent.

As is clearly apparent from the side view of FIG. 1B, the window element widens outward to a certain extent in downward direction from top sheet 21, whereby window element 20 can be nested with one or more similar window elements, which is shown by way of illustration in FIG. 1E. This widening of the window element amounts in this example to about 1 centimetre and runs uniformly on all sides along the height of side walls 22,23. Steps can however optionally also be provided therein to give the whole a different appearance as desired, adapted to the content to be packaged, and a greater or lesser degree of widening can be applied as desired. A thus achieved nestability of the window element will in any case limit the transport and storage space necessary therefor. The chance of mutual contact between side walls 22,23 of the window element and a content packaged therebetween is moreover limited by the widening, this being particularly advantageous in the case of (food) products which easily adhere to or smear on transparent side walls 22 and would then present a less attractive appearance. This is of particular importance in the packaging of pastry and other confectionery sprayed or glazed at the position where the packaging is transparent.

In this example the first side walls 12 comprise folded parts 15,16 which are directed toward each other and which extend therefrom in a transverse direction on an outer end. At a top side the folded parts 15 close fittingly over an edge part of top sheet 21, while folded parts 16 also laterally enclose an edge part of window element 20,22 in fitting manner when first side walls 12 are closed round window element 20, as shown in FIG. 1C. Folded parts 13 on bottom 11 here fall inside folded parts 16 of the first side walls so as to also enclose the window element in a transverse direction and to close a possible gap with bottom 11. Furthermore, folded parts 13 thus impart an increased bending strength and rigidity to the bottom element, which enhances the load-bearing capacity thereof.

The relatively precise fit, and therefore form-fitting, of the first side walls 12 which form part of bottom element 10 and are closed on either side over opposite edge parts of window element 20 provide a manually liftable but always reclosable mutual fixation, wherein the assembly retains the closed situation shown in FIGS. 1D and 2C. This situation is initially closed by means of a set of (self-)adhesive seals 25 adhered partly to a folded part 15 and partly to top sheet 21. The seals comprise a breakable closure in the form of a tear seam 26 which, once a packaging has been opened, unmistakably indicates it as such. If desired, the seals can otherwise also be arranged elsewhere between a folded part 15,16 and window element 20, or a breakable closure with or without tear seam can be provided in other manner.

In the closed situation of FIGS. 1D and 2C the assembly of bottom element 10 and window element 20 provides a box-shaped container with a set of first side walls 12 and a set of further side walls 22 situated therebetween, which together enclose a product space 30, which is further bounded by top sheet 21 and bottom 11. Via transparent top sheet 21 and via the transparent further side walls 22, which are left largely clear between first side walls 12, the product space is here sufficiently visible from both the top side and laterally in order to present a packaged product effectively. Although the container hereby provides a reclosable packaging which can be applied for products of diverse nature, the packaging is particularly advantageous for food products, such as pastry and other confectionery, which, particularly due to their appearance, can stimulate consumer interest.

A second exemplary embodiment of the packaging according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 3A-3E in successive stages of use. The packaging of this example is largely the same as that of the foregoing example, be it that reclosable closing means are provided in this example between bottom element 10 and window element 20. The closing means here comprise a manually liftable snap connection between a snap member 27 provided on top sheet 21 of window element 20 and a fitting snap space under a set of free-hanging tongues 17 on an inner side of folded part 15 of first side walls 12, see in particular FIGS. 3C and 3D. Snap member 27 here comprises a resilient tongue which has been recessed out of the material of the top sheet, while tongues 17 of the bottom element have been folded out of a joint cardboard blank. No additional components or processing steps are thus required for the snap connection. As is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, bottom element 10 is folded and assembled from a cardboard blank. Window element 20 is placed on bottom 11 of the bottom element, see FIG. 3C, wherein resilient tongues 27 stand upright from top sheet 21. When first side walls 12,15,16, which extend from bottom 11, are closed round the window element as shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E, tongues 27 are initially folded inward and eventually snap behind and partly under wings 17. The packaging is now closed and retains this situation.

The packaging can be opened by moving the side walls slightly toward each other so that tongues 27 are released from wings 17, and then slightly lifting and moving the walls apart. The packaging can then be reclosed repeatedly. If desired, the packaging can be supplemented with a breakable closure, such as for instance the seals of the foregoing example, in order to guarantee the integrity of the content to a user.

A third exemplary embodiment of the packaging according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B in respectively an opened and closed situation. The packaging is largely the same as those of the foregoing figures and comprises a bottom element 10 on which a window element 20 is placed. In this example window element 20 is formed integrally from a suitable transparent plastic in an appropriate thermoforming process, such as in particular deep-drawing of a film or sheet. Mould impressions 47 are here left in opposite edge parts of upper surface 21 so as to form recesses at this position with a rib 48 which is intended and adapted to receive therebehind a slightly resilient flap 37 of the bottom part when the container is closed. This flap 37 is formed integrally with the other part of the bottom element from a blank of cardboard or other suitable material, and then folded.

In order to close the packaging both wing-like wall parts 12 of the bottom element are pivoted inward over window element 20. Flap 37, which extends from a distal edge part 15 of wall part 12, herein snaps on either side behind rib 48 in order to lodge in recess 47 in upper surface 21 of window part 20 which is situated therebehind. A semi-permanent closure is thus obtained, which can be released in simple manner by pressing in the upper surface 21, whereby ribs 48 are forced out from underneath the flaps and thus release flaps 37.

Although the invention has been further elucidated with reference to only a few exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent that the invention is by no means limited thereto. On the contrary, many more variations and embodiments are possible for the person with ordinary skill in the art. If desired, the walls of the window element, which fall within the first side walls of the bottom element and are covered thereby, can for instance be omitted in order to save on material and (transport) volume. In this case the window element, like the bottom element, can be supplied in a folded-together, substantially flat state. If desired, the edge parts on a further side wall side can also be omitted and the material of the bottom element can here be strengthened in a different way if desired, for instance by applying a folded part. If desired, the edge parts can also be given a form which is optionally the same, higher or lower in order to provide respectively more printable surface area or a larger view into the product space. Optionally open windows can moreover be provided in the first side walls in order to also make the product space visible from these sides.

Use has been made in the examples of an assembly of a window element and bottom element fully releasable from each other. The window element can instead be pre-connected fixedly on one side to one of the two first side walls of the bottom element in order to enhance a mutual fixation and speed of assembly. In this case the window element is placed on the bottom in an optionally multiple tilting movement.

Although particularly suitable for packaging pastry and other confectionery, the invention is also suitable for other food products, in particular fresh foods such as for instance salads, meat, fish and (ready-to-eat) meals. In such a case the material of the bottom element can be adapted thereto if desired and, instead of cardboard, comprise a moisture-resistant material such as an optionally transparent plastic or aluminium, or be lined with a top layer of such a material. The form and the dimensions of the component parts of the packaging can also be chosen differently and be adapted to the specific product for packaging.

All in all the invention provides a packaging in the form of an assembly of a bottom element and a window element assembled into a box-like container, which can fit particularly well into a logistical process in which a content is added thereto, and which is sufficiently strong to be stacked and, if desired, to be picked up on one side, wherein a product in the product space thereof remains visible at all times. 

1. Packaging, comprising: an at least substantially box-like container having an assembled position and including an openable and reclosable assembly of a bottom element and a window element, which together enclose a product space configured to receive at least one food product therein, said bottom element including a bottom, from either side of which at least parts of opposite first side walls of the container extend pivotally, said window element including an at least substantially transparent top sheet, from which at least a set of at least substantially transparent further side walls of the container extend on opposite sides from the top sheet, said further side walls extending at least between said at least parts of the opposite first side walls and reaching at least substantially to said bottom, such that in the assembled position: i) the further side walls extend between said at least parts of the first side walls and support said window element on the bottom, ii) said at least parts of the first side walls are at least substantially freely pivotable relative to the product space in order to enclose the window element at least therebetween in a mutually closed situation and to leave the window element at least substantially clear in a spread-apart position, and iii) said at least parts of the first side walls maintain a spacing over which said set of further side walls is at least largely transparent.
 2. Packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom element and the window element are fully releasable from each other.
 3. Packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one further side walls extend at least substantially on all sides from the upper surface of the window element.
 4. Packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least parts of the first side walls comprise the first side walls of the container.
 5. Packaging as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least parts of the first side walls comprise on at least one free edge at least one folded part which extends at least substantially transversely of the respective first side wall, wherein in the assembled position respective folded parts of opposite at least parts of the first side walls are directed toward each other in order to receive opposite edge parts of the window element thereunder in an at least substantially fitting manner.
 6. Packaging as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least parts of the first side walls comprise at least one such folded part on a free edge on at least substantially all sides.
 7. Packaging as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first side walls of the container with the folded parts extending therefrom lie against adjacent edge parts of the window element in an at least practically form-fitting manner.
 8. Packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein means for closing said first side walls are provided between the at least parts of the first side walls and the window element.
 9. Packaging as claimed in claim 8, wherein said closing means comprise a reclosable closure.
 10. Packaging as claimed in claim 9, wherein said reclosable closure comprises a manually liftable snap mechanism with a snap member in one of the window element and said at least parts of the first side walls of the container, and a fitting snap space in the other of the window element and said at least parts of the first side walls of the container.
 11. Packaging as claimed in claim 10, wherein said snap member comprises a resilient tongue which extends from one of the window element and both of said at least parts of the first side walls of the container and which snaps into a corresponding snap space in a different one of the window element and both of said at least parts of the first side walls of the container.
 12. Packaging as claimed in claim 8, wherein said closing means comprise a breakable closure.
 13. Packaging as claimed in claim 1, further comprising upright folded parts extending on opposite sides from the bottom between the first side walls.
 14. Packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bottom element is formed at least partly from cardboard.
 15. Packaging as claimed in claim 14, wherein said bottom element is folded completely from a cardboard blank.
 16. Packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said first side walls of the container comprises a window.
 17. Packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein said window element is formed wholly from a transparent plastic.
 18. Packaging as claimed in claim 17, wherein the plastic is taken from a group consisting of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polylactide acid (PLA), polyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate (PC).
 19. Packaging as claimed in claim 17, wherein said window element is formed integrally.
 20. Packaging as claimed in claim 19, wherein said window element comprises a thermoformed part.
 21. Packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein said window element is configured to be nested in a similar window element.
 22. Packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of said at least parts of the first side walls of the container is connected fixedly to an adjacent wall of the window element.
 23. A bottom element in a package including an at least substantially box-like container having an assembled position and including an openable and reclosable assembly of said bottom element and a window element, which together enclose a product space configured to receive at least one food product therein, said bottom element including a bottom, from either side of which at least parts of opposite first side walls of the container extend pivotally, such that in the assembled position: i) said at least parts of the first side walls are at least substantially freely pivotable relative to the product space in order to enclose the window element at least therebetween in a mutually closed situation and to leave the window element at least substantially clear in a spread-apart position, and ii) said at least parts of the first side walls maintain a spacing over which a set of further side walls of the window element is at least largely transparent.
 24. A window element in a package including an at least substantially box-like container having an assembled position and including an openable and reclosable assembly of a bottom element and the window element, which together enclose a product space which is configured to receive at least one food product therein, said window element including an at least substantially transparent top sheet, from which at least a set of at least substantially transparent further side walls of the container extend on opposite sides from said top sheet, said further side walls configured to extend at least between at least parts of opposite first side walls of the bottom element and reach at least substantially to a bottom of the bottom element, such that in the assembled position the further side walls extend between the at least parts of the first side walls and support said window element on the bottom. 